RTA hires new director of communications

"We are pleased to have Susan join our team to help further solidify public transit's role in our region," said RTA Executive Director Joe Costello. "We believe her extensive background in the communications field will serve to help the RTA continue to push its overall message."

Massel worked for the city of Chicago for the past six years, most recently serving as director of public affairs for the Chicago Department of Buildings. She also worked at Chicago's Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and the Department of Housing and Economic Development.

Prior to working for the city, Massel worked in the cable communications industry for more than a decade in the suburban Chicago area and then in the Miami area, where she served as vice president of local governmental relations for AT&T Broadband. Massel was also a public and government relations consultant to local units of government and People's Gas and North Shore Gas companies.

"I look forward to this opportunity to bring my skills and abilities to the transit sector," said Massel. "Because I am originally from a smaller market that does not have a well-developed mass transit system, I truly appreciate and utilize Chicagoland's systems. I relish this opportunity to contribute to their continued success."